How to Install a Water-Powered Sump Pump

A water-powered sump pump is used to avoid damage caused by flooding.

A water-powered sump pump removes water inside a building by pumping it up and draining it outdoors. People often use sump pumps in basements to prevent damage caused by flooding. Water-powered sump pumps are affordable and can be installed easily by any do-it-yourselfer provided they have the right tools and the proper knowledge. However, it is a time-consuming job, so you should make sure the flooding isn't caused by such drainage problems as clogged gutters or downspouts.

Things You'll Need

• Jackhammer
• Pit liner
• Gravel
• Trowel
• Cement
• Drill
• Caulk
• Caulking gun
• Electrical tape
• Water-powered sump pump
• Wrenches
• PVC pipe
• PVC cement

Instructions

1. Determine the best place for your watered-powered sump pump. Locate the main water and sewer lines so you don't damage them during installation. The pit for the pump should be near an exterior wall if possible and should be easily accessible.

2. Break out the concrete at the lowest point of the floor using a jackhammer. Cut out a section 6 inches wider than the plastic pit liner. Fit the liner in the pit so the top is level with the basement floor and fill in the space around the liner with gravel. Apply cement with a trowel to the space between the edge of the pit and the floor.

3. Drill a hole in the exterior wall near the sump pump. Make sure the diameter of the hole is the width of the discharge pipe. Place the discharge pipe in the hole you drilled and use a caulking gun to caulk around it.

4. Tape the electrical cords of the water-powered sump pump to the riser with electrical tape. Connect the discharge fitting to the pump and set the pump into the bottom of the pit. Position the pump so the float is several inches away from the liner. This is for easy and smooth movement.

5. Place the liner lid over the riser. Use PVC pipe to connect the discharge fitting to the discharge pipe that is in the hole in the exterior wall. Place the check valve that came with the water-powered sump pump between the discharge fitting and the PVC pipe that extends from the discharge pipe. The check valve is used to keep the pump motor from burning out. Seal the pipe's connections with PVC cement.

6. Test the water-powered sump pump by pouring about five gallons of water into the liner.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to run the pump for several minutes every once in a while to make sure it is still working, especially before a rainy season.

References

• Popular Mechanics: Installing a Sump Pump